A new method of predicting the prestress variations in anchored cables with excavation unloading destruction

Prestressed anchored cables have been widely used in slope reinforcement engineering, but prestress variations in these cables are not fully understood, particularly for anchored cables bolted into strata that have undergone time-dependent excavation unloading destruction (EUD). In this paper, we investigate the factors that influence variations in anchored cable prestess in EUD strata, and proposed a variation prediction model based on the equal-strain assumption for the anchored cable and the rock mass. The new model is validated with field data from a real case study, demonstrating the model's improved prediction capability and potential for wider applications. One direct application of the new method is to predict the long-term variations in anchored cable prestress and evaluate the anchoring conditions, which can provide theoretical guidance for the safe operation and management of prestressed anchor engineering projects.